A dark-toned hue of ruby with violet highlights, the 2001 Barolo Cicala suggests new oak and spices on the nose, then opens to reveal a very complete and multi-dimensional wine that offers sensations of ripe dark cherries, minerals, menthol, tar, licorice and violets wrapped around a structured, masculine frame. A very fresh and long finish makes this a superbly well-balanced and beautiful wine. The Cicala cru gives wines of power and intensity owing to its poorer and dryer soils which contain more iron, as well as the vineyard’s south to south-east exposure. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799

Loads of plum, berry and licorice character with hints of new wood. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long, rich finish. Beauty here. Tight and compacted. Lots going on here. Give it time. Best after 2008. 800 cases made.